secretary clinton was in algeria to discuss mali among other issues approximately a month ago. the third challenge in mali is terrorism. we are gravely concerned about the presence and activities of terrorists and extremist groups in northern mali. al qaeda in the islamic ma grag, the movement for unity and jihad in west africa known as mujoa, and other affiliated groups have exploited the political unrest created by the march coup and the northern rebel ynt to expand their safe havens in northern mali and to impose their ideology on local communities throughout the northern part of the country. while these tactics remain alien to the vast majority of the population and the affected areas, aqim has established at least temporary relationships with a number of groups in northern mali and currently control the key cities of timbuktu, gal, and kid al. any attempt to militarily ouset a qim must be african led. it must be malian led. it must be well planned, well organized and well resourced to be successful. military plans must also account for civilian security and humanitarian ne